Abstract: An airbag module has a gas distributor arranged between a gas generator and an airbag, in which at least a first and a second flow path for a gas are provided in the gas distributor. At least one valve device that opens and closes the respective flow path is arranged in each case in the flow paths. The first flow path connects the gas generator to the airbag, and the second flow path is not connected to the airbag.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus and a method are provided using a quantity of a compensatory material to supplement a stored pressurized gas.

Abstract: A driver side air bag, in which the impact applied to tether belts during the deployment of the air bag is small, and comprising a member, of which structure is quite simple, for controlling the direction of the flow of gases in the air bag is provided. Ends of tether belts 68 are inserted between tether belt connecting fabrics 64 and 66 and are sewn by sewing yarn. Each tether belt 68 is an elongated band and is sewn to the tether belt connecting fabrics 64, 66 at both ends of the tether belt 68 and sewn to the front panel at the center in the longitudinal direction of the tether belt 68. A sheet 70 is made in a loop configuration to overlap an opening 72 with an opening 74 and a ring-like flametight fabric 80 is disposed between the sheet 70 and a holding ring 82.

Abstract: A device for inflating an airbag has a gas generator that produces an inflation gas. A valve control adjusts the cross-section of a flow channel through which the inflation gas is supplied to the interior of the airbag by means of valve elements. The valve elements are held in an unactivated position by holding elements with a holding force that is lower than the actuating force used to actuate the valve elements.

Abstract: An air bag safety system with an emergency venting assembly. The air bag system includes an air bag cushion, an inflator assembly and a cover that is movably attached to the inflator assembly. The inflator assembly includes an inflator and a housing with a side wall assembly configured to cooperate with the cover. The side wall assembly comprises an inner wall having a hole formed therein and an outer wall. The cover is movably attached to the inflator assembly. The cover has a side wall with an emergency relief vent formed therein. The cover further has a first position and a second position such that when the cover is in the first position the emergency relief vent on the side wall of the cover is substantially aligned with the hole in the inner wall of the housing so as to allow the inflation fluid to exit the inflator assembly.

Abstract: An air bag device that includes an air bag cushion, a diffuser canister, and a gas generation inflator. The diffuser canister is attached to the air bag cushion and has walls configured to define an interior space therein. The walls of the diffuser canister have an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a wall thickness t. At least one of the walls has an aperture formed therethrough in communication with the interior of the air bag cushion. The gas generation inflator is configured to rapidly create a gas that exists the diffuser canister through the aperture so as to fill the air bag cushion. The aperture is defined by an edge extending between the interior and said exterior surfaces of the wall that is configured to diffuse the gas exiting the diffuser canister through the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, comprising a first gas-generating stage and at least one gas-generating stage arranged downstream of the first stage, and also comprising a device for detecting a pressure change in the gas generator, wherein the device for detecting the pressure change comprises a chamber divided by a movable part into two partial chambers which are gas-tight with respect to each other, the partial chambers having openings which are in flow connection with the first stage and each have different cross-sectional areas, so that the pressure change spreads at different speeds in the two partial chambers and brings about a movement of the movable part, and the movable part being connected with a movement meter, which due to the movement of the movable part generates an electrical impulse to activate the second stage.

Abstract: A driver side air bag, in which the impact applied to tether belts during the deployment of the air bag is small, and comprising a member, of which structure is quite simple, for controlling the direction of the flow of gases in the air bag is provided. Ends of tether belts 68 are inserted between tether belt connecting fabrics 64 and 66 and are sewn by sewing yarn. Each tether belt 68 is an elongated band and is sewn to the tether belt connecting fabrics 64, 66 at both ends of the tether belt 68 and sewn to the front panel at the center in the longitudinal direction of the tether belt 68. A sheet 70 is made in a loop configuration to overlap an opening 72 with an opening 74 and a ring-like flametight fabric 80 is disposed between the sheet 70 and a holding ring 82.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an elongated housing which consists of two side pieces and in which a flow channel for compressed gas is provided, a gas bag which can be transferred by the compressed gas from a folded position into an unfolded position and which is accommodated in the housing in its unfolded position, and a closure plate constructed in one piece with one of the side pieces. The flow channel is formed by the side pieces of the housing and by the closure plate. The closure plate has passages for the compressed gas. Further, a method or producing a gas bag module is provided wherein the flow channel is formed by bending a cast or injection molded plastic housing.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening a gas generator in a housing, in particular for fastening a tubular gas generator in a diffuser of an airbag module has a plastic adaptor located between the housing and the gas generator at an open end of the housing. The gas generator is screwed to the housing at the end of the housing opposite the open end. The housing also adjoins the gas generator near the open end of the housing in the operational direction of a fastening screw at a point next to the adapter and/or in the region of an opening in the adapter.

Abstract: An airbag inflator which can supply airbag inflation gas in an adaptive output is provided. The subject inflator includes two discrete and isolated chambers of gas generant materials. At least one of the chambers includes a lid closure adapted to open to place the combustion products formed within the associated chamber in fluid communication with the contents of the other chamber. The subject inflator permits several distinct inflation performance scenarios while desirably employing a single set of inflation gas treatment components, such as filters, for the treatment of products of both chambers.

Abstract: An air bag arrangement is provided, and includes a gas generator to which is connected an air bag. The gas generator has a combustion chamber for composite propellant, and walls of the combustion chamber are provided with discharge openings. A first filter unit is disposed in the gas generator housing and a second filter unit is disposed beyond the housing and surrounds the same at a distance to form a cooling and pressure-reduction zone for a gas stream coming from the first filter unit. The second filter unit separates out gaseous and/or liquid impurities resulting in a gas stream during combustion of the composite propellant in the combustion chamber. By reducing the temperature level of the gas stream and its pressure level to within the range of atmospheric pressure, the second filter unit effects a phase change of the gaseous and/or liquid impurities, whereby liquid and/or solid impurities are filtered out in the second filter unit. The gas stream then enters the air bag from the second filter unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for filling an empty, flexible container (8) with gas essentially instantaneously when subjected to powerful retardation forces, wherein the gas-filled container (8) functions as a force-absorbing cushion which protects against injuries, wherein the apparatus includes pressure receptacles (1, 2) which is filled with gas under high pressure, a conduit (5) which connects the receptacles (1, 2) with the container (8), means for opening the connection between the receptacles (1, 2) and the flexible container (8) when subjected to retardation forces that exceed a smallest value, a container-holding device (7), and a retardation meter. The vessel is comprised of two pressure receptacles (1, 2) which are each sealed by means of a closure means and each of which has a respective connection conduit (3 and 4) which joins pressure receptacles (1, 2) to the flexible container (8).

Abstract: The invention refers to a gas generator for a safety device in motor vehicles, comprising a housing, a cover closing the housing, a propellant container arranged in the housing, and a filling body arranged between the propellant container and the cover or the housing, wherein the filling body is formed of an elastic material and adheres to the propellant container and the cover or the housing, thereby connecting the propellant container and the cover or the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes an elongated pressure vessel (30) containing a source of inflation fluid for a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (12) further includes an inflation fluid outlet manifold (32) at one end (34) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) has outlet openings (60, 62) defining first and second outlet flow areas. The manifold (32) is configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the first outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) is further configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the second outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a second, opposite direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The protection device (14) has a deflated condition and has an inflated condition in which the protection device is inflated between the occupant and the vehicle side structure. The safety apparatus (10) also comprises an inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14), and a fill tube (20) for directing inflation fluid into the protection device. The apparatus further comprises a support (60) for supporting the inflator (22) and the fill tube (20) relative to each other. The support (60) has a fluid flow passage (210) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator (22) to the fill tube (20). In a preferred embodiment, the support (60) comprises a clamp having a first portion clamped on the inflator (22) and a second portion clamped on the fill tube (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in a vehicle collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) having a mouth section (18) with a first opening (140) through which inflation fluid flows to inflate the occupant protection device. An inflator (16) provides the inflation fluid. A member (80) is located between the mouth section (18) and the inflator (16). The member (80) has a second opening (82) for directing the inflation fluid from the inflator (16) into the first opening (140). The second opening (82) has first and second portions (170 and 172). The second portion (172) of the second opening (82) overlies the first opening (140) in the mouth section (18). Inflation fluid from the inflator (16) thus enters the occupant protection device by flowing through the second portion (172) and through the first opening (140).

Abstract: An initiator (10) comprises first and second coaxial terminals (70, 80) engageable by an electrical connector (40) to connect the terminals electrically with vehicle circuitry. Electrical insulation (100) electrically insulates between the first and second terminals (70, 80). The initiator (10) also comprises a spring (150) made of an electrically conductive material. The spring (150) has a first portion (156) electrically connected with the first terminal (70). The spring (150) has a first condition, when the first and second terminals (70, 80) are not connected with the electrical connector (40), in which a second portion (160) of the spring is in electrical contact with the second terminal, thereby shorting the initiator (10). The spring (150) has a third portion (162) which is engageable by the electrical connector (40) upon connection of the electrical connector with the first and second terminals (70, 80).

Abstract: Gas generative compositions especially useful in inflators for protective passive restraint devices (e.g., motor vehicle air bags, escape slide chutes, lift rafts, and the like) include a nitrogen-containing fuel and an oxidizer selected from copper (II) oxide (CuO), cupric nitrate, basic copper nitrate (Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2.3Cu(OH.sub.2), strontium nitrate (Sr(NO.sub.3).sub.2) and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the nitrogen-containing fuel is azodicarbonamidine dinitrate (AZODN) and/or 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). The compositions of the present invention provide high burning rates with acceptable burning rate pressure exponents which allow their operation at lower pressures, thereby resulting in the use of less costly, lower weight, and lower strength materials for design and manufacture of the inflator pressure vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an actuatable inflator (14) for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A retaining ring (16) is attached to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). The retaining ring (16) encircles the inflator (14) and defines an annular chamber (88) disposed radially outward of a plurality of outlet openings (26) in the inflator (14). The retaining ring (16) includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of exit ports (90) in fluid communication with the annular chamber (88). The annular chamber (88) and the exit ports (90) redirect the inflation fluid flowing out of the outlet openings (26) into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). The inflation fluid is thus prevented from impinging directly on an inner surface (50) of the inflatable occupant protection device as the inflation fluid is being directed out of the inflator (14).

Abstract: A gas generator including a housing, at least one pipeline connected to the housing and directing generated gas to an airbag, a coupling piece which connects the housing with the pipeline, and at least one elastic seal. The seal is arranged between the coupling piece and the housing and also between the coupling piece and the pipeline. The seal has projections penetrating into recesses in the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an actuatable inflator (14) for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The inflator (14) includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially extending outlet openings (26) and a circumferentially spaced plurality of deflector flanges (30). The deflector flanges (30) are spaced radially from the outlet openings (26) and are radially aligned with the outlet openings. The deflector flanges (30) completely overlie the outlet openings (26). When the inflator (14) is actuated, the deflector flanges (30) deflect the inflation fluid flowing from the outlet openings (26) and thereby prevent the inflation fluid from impinging directly the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) as the inflation fluid is being directed out of the inflator (14).

Abstract: A gas generating composition, when ignited, produces gas to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating composition comprises ammonium nitrate phase stabilized with a moisture indicating material. The moisture indicating material exhibits a color that changes with change in the concentration of moisture within the ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: A body of gas generating material for a vehicle occupant protection device comprises about 40 to about 85 weight percent ammonium nitrate. The body of gas generating material also comprises an amount of a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP). The GAP is cured with a polyfunctional acrylate. The acrylate cured GAP can be used as a binder in the gas generating composition or as an energetic coating on tablets prepared from the composition. The acrylate cured GAP can also function as the sole fuel component in the gas generating composition, the composition being essentially free of an added fuel component. The acrylate cured GAP improves the burn and/or ignition rates of the ammonium nitrate based gas generating composition.

Abstract: Chlorate-free autoignition compositions are disclosed, and may be embodied in compositions comprised of (i) an azodiformamidine dinitrate (ADFD), a self-deflagrating, low ignition temperature fuel, (ii) an oxidizer (e.g., a perchlorate, nitrate or mixture thereof) and (iii) an ignition accelerator/augmentor (e.g., a metal or metal oxide powder). One especially preferred solid AIP composition in accordance with the present invention includes ADFD, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and sodium nitrate, an iron oxide powder and a binder, such as a poly(alkylene carbonate).

Abstract: An airbag module is provided which includes a folded gas bag, a gas generator operatively connected to the gas bag, and a gas diffusor operatively connected to the gas generator and positioned in one of the folds of the gas bag. When the gas bag deploys, it unfolds in a main unfolding direction. The gas diffusor includes large holes and a small holes for exhausting compressed gas from the gas generator into the gas bag for deployment. The large holes are located on the gas diffusor in the direction of the main unfolding direction of the gas bag.

Abstract: A universal type add on air bag inflator (2) configured in an elongated cylindrical form that is adapted to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, where inflator (2) is preferably but not limited to installation in a vehicle on the external surface of the interior facing of a vehicle forward support pillar (52) where the long axis of the inflator is mounted parallel to the long axis of the pillar. The inflator (2) includes an ignitor (14) and a pyrotechnic exploder (24) in assembly within an accommodating combustion chamber (26). Chamber (26) including the pyrotechnic assembly is accommodated within an accommodating baffle (30) where there is adapted in an uninflated state a folded air bag (36). These components in combination are accommodated within an accommodating yieldable outer shell (4). A pair of end caps (10,10) close respective open ends of the outer shell (4).

Abstract: An air-bag unit comprises a support plate (2) having an aperture (4) in it, and an air-bag (14) which also has an aperture (16) formed in it. A gas generator (7) has a radially outwardly extending flange (8) which is located so that a region (15) of the air-bag (14) surrounding the aperture (16) formed therein is trapped between the flange (8) and the support plate (2). A gas diffuser (10) is provided which, together with the flange (8) defines a diffusion chamber (18), the arrangement being such that in use of the device, gas from the gas generator (8) is injected into the diffusion chamber (18). A plurality of elongate connector elements (17) extend from a part of the gas diffuser (10) through the flange (8) and through the region (15) of the air-bag surrounding the aperture, also passing through apertures formed in the plate (2) so that the distance between the said portion of the diffuser (10) and the support plate is variable.

Abstract: A gas bag module includes a gas bag stowed folded in a housing. To provide a gas bag module which permits a controlled emergence of the gas bag on it being activated and, more particularly, permits a reduction in the velocity with which the cover hits an obstacle, said gas bag is surrounded by a sleeve provided with a tear line, said sleeve permitting free deployment of said gas bag in the main direction away from the bottom of said housing up to a fraction of its volume, the sleeve then being tensioned by the force of expansion of said deploying gas bag and allowing further expansion of said gas bag laterally away from said main direction until said sleeve is torn open at said tear line, permitting further expansion of said gas bag also in said main direction.

Abstract: An air bag has a cushion which is inflated by a gas which is generated in an inflator. The gas has a high velocity and temperature. An integral gas direction device or strap is incorporated in a driver side air bag. The gas direction device is formed in a retainer plate to which the inflator is secured. The gas direction device has a dome top and two upstanding side walls which partially surround the inflator. The side wall and dome top direct the high velocity heated gas generated in the inflator to control the impact of the gas on the cushion. The strap will also restrict the gas deployment of the cushion toward the vehicle operator.

Abstract: An airbag inflator having a reduced area filter and cartridge-loaded generant. The inflator has a tubular housing with a plurality of exit ports in a limited angular extent. A filter having the general shape of a section of a tube is received within the housing within the extent of the exit ports. The filter has lateral edges which are compressed to reduce the thickness of the filter along these edges, increasing the inner diameter of the filter. A hollow cylindrical cartridge may be provided to house a quantity of pyrotechnic gas generant. The cylindrical cartridge is received within the housing, with the filter interposed between the cartridge and the exit ports. The increased inner diameter of the filter permits the use of a larger diameter cartridge compared to a filter which has not had its lateral edges compressed, which in turn permits a shorter inflator to hold the same volume of generant.

Abstract: An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion (22) portion and in inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, and an airflow baffle (30; 30a) which creates a low pressure pocket directly downstream of itself and causes the air bag to initially begin to inflate laterally. The baffle includes a flexible panel within the cushion portion downstream of the inlet portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an edge of the baffle and an adjacent inner surface of the cushion.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflator and a gas exit tube connected in a gas-tight manner thereto. The inflator is provided with a discharge portion for the gas generated by the inflator when required. The discharge portion comprises a circumferential groove having in cross-section a saw tooth profile with a flank perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the discharge portion. This flank is located on the side of the groove facing the gas exit tube. The gas exit tube comprises a portion which engages the groove in an interfitting manner by means of a plastically deformed portion and secures the gas exit tube axially thereto at the inflator.

Abstract: A new filtration system for gas generators, especially side impact airbag inflators for use in automobiles, has a sheet of expanded metal formed into a tube, cylinder or other geometric form and a bed of expanded metal chips. The interior of the geometric form is filled with chips of expanded metal and this configuration has been found extremely effective in cooling and filtering the gases produced during the combustion of a gas generant. The filtration system disposed between the gas generant bed and the gas exit apertures of the inflator housing. The weight of the filtration system should be at least four times the weight of the gas generant placed in the inflator housing.

Abstract: In a gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, a gas generator is held on a trough-shaped carrier part inbetween a diffusor cap, surrounding it, and the base of the carrier part by means of a clamping ring, by which the rim of the inflation opening of a gas bag is fastened to the carrier part.

Abstract: An air bag assembly includes an inflatable bag which has an entrance for receiving pressurized gas. The entrance of the inflatable bag is connected with an outlet of a nozzle disposed integrally with and at an exterior of the inflatable bag. The pressurized gas is transmitted into the inflatable bag through the nozzle. An inlet of the nozzle is provided with a mouthpiece through which pressurized gas is injected.

Abstract: An air bag inflator apparatus incorporating a lower canister and an upper canister forming a canister housing. The canister housing has a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall and a fifth wall. The first, second, third and fourth walls define a first space which accommodates an air bag, and the first, second, third, fourth and fifth walls define a second space which accommodates an inflator. A first flow control wall is continuously formed on the surface of the first wall, and a second flow control wall is continuously formed on the surface of the second wall. The first and second flow control walls control a flow of a gas from the inflator.

Abstract: In an air bag device, a diffuser 5 is provided with a partition wall 51 partitioning a space on a case opening side of the diffuser 5 into a passenger side and a side further from the passenger; a gas guiding passage 7 for guiding gas produced by an inflator 4 to a case opening 21 is formed on the side of this partition wall 51 further from the passenger, a folded air bag 3 is packed on the passenger side of the partition wall 51, and a case-side end portion 32a of an air bag upper part 32 to constitute the upper part of the deployed air bag is disposed so as to cover the exit of the gas guiding passage 7. As a result, the end portion 32a of the air bag upper part 32 is expanded first and the air bag subsequently deploys progressively and smoothly from this air bag upper part 32 side in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An airbag module mounted on a boss section of a steering wheel of an automotive vehicle. The airbag module comprises an airbag which is inflatable and developable upon being supplied with gas. A cover is provided including a covering section for covering the airbag. A tearing line is formed at a surface of the covering section of the cover. The tearing line includes a central section having first and second ends which are opposite to each other, and first and second side sections to which the first and second ends of the central section are respectively connected. An inflator is provided having gas ejection openings through which gas is ejected. The gas ejection openings are located inside the airbag. A base member is provided such that the airbag is fixed thereto. Additionally, an opposite member is located opposite to the covering section of the cover and disposed inside the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag module with a gas generator, a blow diffuser, and a gas bag has at least one blow diffuser extending into a fold of the folded gas bag. The blow diffuser extends as far as the region of the gas bag cover and the folded gas bag is fitted essentially beside the blow diffuser and is arranged around it. With this airbag module, the gas bag is drawn from the housing and not pushed in the usual manner.

Abstract: A device for protecting against a side impact in a motor vehicle has a gas cushion which in the undeployed state is arranged in the trim of a vehicle door and in the inflated state extends beyond the lower edge of the window of the door, whereby the gas cushion is supported by at least two inflatable supports on the vehicle door which extend beyond the lower edge of the window of the door.

Abstract: An improvement in inflatable restraint air bag module assemblies with non-symmetric gas output inflators wherein a diffuser of specific design and in cooperation with the reaction canister results in reduced air bag deployment skewness.

Abstract: In an air bag device, a diffuser 5 is provided with a partition wall 51 partitioning a space on a case opening side of the diffuser 5 into a passenger side and a side further from the passenger; a gas guiding passage 7 for guiding gas produced by an inflator 4 to a case opening 21 is formed on the side of this partition wall 51 further from the passenger, a folded air bag 3 is packed on the passenger side of the partition wall 51, and a case-side end portion 32a of an air bag upper part 32 to constitute the upper part of the deployed air bag is disposed so as to cover the exit of the gas guiding passage 7. As a result, the end portion 32a of the air bag upper part 32 is expanded first and the air bag subsequently deploys progressively and smoothly from this air bag upper part 32 side in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A diffuser for a supplemental restraint system includes a top wall, a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall defining a diffuser chamber. The diffuser is used in a supplemental restraint system having an airbag and a combustion chamber for providing a pressurized gas to inflate the airbag. The combustion chamber defines an opening therein for exhausting the pressurized gas. The diffuser is a substantially cylindrical member defining a longitudinal axis. The bottom wall has an opening having a predetermined flow area, that is adjacent to and separated from the combustion chamber opening. The diffuser includes a plurality of elongated slots formed therein by lancing, that are generally parallel to the diffuser axis. The slots are configured, and have a flow area, to rapidly inflate the airbag. The slots are further configured to retain debris generated from the combustion chamber within the diffuser and to prevent the debris from entering the airbag upon inflation.

Abstract: An air bag unit is provided to protect a vehicle passenger from impacting a member of the interior of a vehicle. The air bag unit includes one or more air bags attached as an integral unit to a clamping device for attachment to a portion of the interior vehicle frame. Since the air bag is intended to protect passengers from impact with an interior member of the vehicle frame, the air bag is adapted to the shape of such member. The clamping device includes an attachment part which slidably engages the interior of the vehicle frame. In addition, the air bag unit is inflated by a tube housed therein. The tube exerts a restraining action on the inflating gas and includes one or more breakage locations which are intended to rupture within the air bag at a predetermined pressure for inflation of the air bag.

Abstract: An air bag module (10b) includes an elongate inflator (40b) having first and second axially spaced outer surface portions (72b, 82b). A tubular retainer assembly (100b, 170b) at least partially encloses the inflator (40b). To secure the inflator (40b) and the retainer assembly (100b, 170b) together, a first clamping portion (110b) of the retainer assembly engages the first outer surface portion (72b) of the inflator and blocks movement of the first outer surface portion of the inflator relative to the retainer assembly. A second clamping portion (120b, 170b) of the retainer assembly (100b, 170b) engages the second outer surface portion (70b) of the inflator (40b) and blocks movement of the second outer surface portion of the inflator relative to the retainer assembly.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped hybrid inflator comprising: a pressure vessel filled with pressurized inflation gas, comprising a center body (22) having a first (24a) and a second (24b) end, a first exit orifice (29) located between the first and second end, a frangible disk (32) closing the orifice (29) and a pyrotechnic element for causing the disk to rupture and permit inflation gas to exit the orifice; a first cylindrical portion (50) sealingly attached to the first end and a second cylindrical portion sealing attached to the second end.

Abstract: An improved air bag module having a manifold designed with integral keys configured to lock the manifold, retainer, air bag and soft cover to the housing. The manifold is elastically deformable and the keys are configured to be inserted into slots in the retainer and housing while the manifold is elastically compressed. Upon releasing the compression force the manifold expands and the keys are locked into the retainer and housing slots locking the individual sub-module pieces together. The air bag and soft cover are trapped between the manifold and the retainer during assembly. The soft cover and module housing are configured to open upon air bag deployment, allowing the air bag to inflate outside of the air bag module.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraining system comprises a gas generator and a gas bag having an inflation opening formed in a wall of the gas bag and having an interior delimited by the wall. The gas bag is able to be unfolded from a folded state into a deployed state by means of gas under pressure provided by the gas generator and led into the interior of the gas bag through the inflation opening. The gas bag module comprises at least one guard flap arranged in the interior of the gas bag between the inflation opening and a portion of the wall opposite the inflation opening. The at least one guard flap protects the wall of the gas bag against the gas under pressure entering the interior of the gas bag.